5500/Oz - Does it have bearings or bushings?

[5500C]

Does my 5500 have bearings?  If not, can you or would it be good to switch to bearings.  Can we?

[Thunderchild]

They are not steel roller type bearings, but nonetheless by definition they are bearings.  

[GET]

That is true, bushings are bearings.  But in common language, the 5500C has bushings.  I do not think switching to bearings would be possible with any reasonable effort (anything is possible.)  But, the good news is that the bushing system is excellent .  I can see no real advantage to the needle bearing system in the swingarm pivot.  In fact, the bushing system may even be more durable and less likely to develop "play" (see one of the other threads.)  Either system is going to require periodic lubrication.

[Carbon_Angus]

Does my 5500 have bearings?  If not, can you or would it be good to switch to bearings.  Can we?

can't modify the main bearing to another type

[5500C]

Thanks guys.

[rapiddescent]

I guess that you *can* upgrade to roller bearings - but it would cost a bloody fortune and a lot of testing before getting it right.  The bushings that proflex/K2 used seemed to have lasted very well - if they do begin to wear then I'll look into making a roller bearing kit for the bike.

one top tip.  NEVER  EVER use oil based grease to lube them.  in fact, if you can help it; don't even take them apart.

callum
rdi

[jimbo]

one top tip.  NEVER  EVER use oil based grease to lube them.  in fact, if you can help it; don't even take them apart.

rdi

Can you clarify this?  What type of lube do you recommend?  I thought all grease is oil based, or do you mean synthetic (sp)?

[Oz-SUB]

During my 5500c mega overhaul, I got a new bushing kit from CVI.com (UK K2 spares dealer) and fitted it.  It came with a small tube of K2 'Goo', which I think is a silicon PTFE mix.  I used this, so I hope it's OK?

After 2 years of tough XC riding in the UK rain and MUD (not all the time) the bushings were fine, but the little rubber seals were a bit relaxed and had suffered some grime passing by.

As long as these bushing kits are still available, I would say a 2 to 3 year replacement period seems fine.